Finding information on it is very difficult since it’s usually only short articles, websites or short mentions in books that need to be pieced together. Sometimes they also seem to misinterpret older articles.
The MiG-29 was chosen by Malaysia from a lineup that would’ve had the Mirage 2000-5, F-16 (unknown variant, likely A) and F/A-18 (that they also ordered 8 D models from). In 1994 they ordered 16 MiG-29SD (9.12SD) and 2 MiG-29UB (9.51) alongside their armament of R-73E and R-27R missiles. These were delivered in 1995.
The MiG-29SD was itself a downgraded export variant of the MiG-29S (9.12S), featuring downgraded N019ME version of the N019M radar, capability to mount three drop tanks (two underwing, one on the fuselage) as well as options for westernized avionics on customer demand.
The MiG-29N was the specific MiG-29UB variant for Malaysia. This specifically was old MiG-29 aircraft manufactured between 1988-1990, which were refurbished and upgraded to the desired MiG-29SD standard. For Malaysia this included the SD’s N019ME radar, additional fuel tanks (possibly meaning the drop tanks?) and new avionics systems including Cossor IFF, Collins radio, ARN-138 TACAN, a new English voice-warning system, ILS, GPS, and an English cockpit using Imperial units.
Midair refuelling capability was also included in the initial order, but added later, after deliveries were already complete. The retractable probe was developed for the Malaysian order, but then offered for further export customers as well. The probe is fully removable from the airframe.
Additionally there was mentions of upgrading the existing N019ME radars to N019M during the same timeframe (1997-1999), including R-77 and Kh-27 integration, however it’s likely this was never done and neither of these weapons was ever found on Malaysian MiG-29s.
The MiG-29N mounting Sidewinders is something I haven’t seen any additional information about outside of Malaysian forum mentions of AIM-9 on the MiG-29N from 2008 (maybe Malaysians will have an easier time finding more here), so I mostly just have what can be seen directly on the image.
By this image it can be seen that the launch rail used is the same as on the Hawk 208, while the missile itself is a captive AIM-9L with a live seeker. Judging by the grey-green camo on the aircraft it was taken before 2005, likely in the early 2000s.
Sidewinder Image
In 2015 an upgrade to the MiG-29N was proposed, the MiG-29NM. This would have included increased internal fuel capacity, Zhuk-ME radar, integration of Su-30MKMs air to air and air to ground weapons including the R-77, updated avionics and a new, modernized cockpit. This upgrade never went past the proposal.
Sources (Incomplete, this is just everything I looked through now to write this)
Book Sources
Websites
Posts about the aircraft
